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Pinot Noir
France
Burgundy
750ml
16-18∘C
Good structure when young, without any harshness. The nose is powerful, with aromas of candied fruit. As the wine ages, spice and musk are in evidence. A good Corton has a velvety texture ("gras") to counterbalance tannin and acidity. It is very persistent on the palate and ages well.
Joseph Drouhin domaine is one of the largest estates in the region. It owns vineyards in all of Burgundy: Chablis , Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune, Côte Chalonnaise . It is comprised of a majority of Premier and Grand Crus. The Domaine was put together through the years, thanks to judicious purchases and agreements between families. Some vineyards are among the most famous in Burgundy.
For some village or regional appellations, Joseph Drouhin complements its supplies by purchasing grapes from other vineyard owners who have been long time partners and share the same quest of excellence.
Corton and the other Corton vineyards (such as Corton Bressandes) are the only red Grand Crus of the Côte de Beaune. They are located on the hill of Corton, clearly visible from miles around and capped by low-growing oak trees. The vines are on a rather steep slope with a good south-east exposure. Soil is a mixture of clay and small rocks create a well-drained soil where the roots of the pinot noir grape have to dig very deep in order to find water and nutrients.
Corton name comes from "curtis" (the word for an estate in Gallo-Roman times) and Othon, the Emperor who owned this vineyard. Since the wine travels well, it soon acquired great fame around the world. Bressandes (people from Bresse) probably refer to the people who owned it.
Maceration and vinification take 2 to 3 weeks. Fermentation temperatures under total control. Extraction gives colour and substance to a wine but should never be detrimental to its finesse and typical character. "Pigeage" (punching down of the cap during fermentation): once a day until half of fermentation is done; one pumping over ("remontage") per day till the end of the fermentation. Pressing separation of free run juice from pressed juice. Ageing in barrels (20% in new oak). Length: 14 to 18 months.
